Walking in Memphis: It’s crowded out there

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — They are already bracing for one of the biggest nights of revelry in “The Bluff City” since the end of World War II tonight.

With more than 100,000 people expected downtown tonight — on top of a busy Friday night at Beale Street — it could get a little noisy down here.

And that’s not even factoring in if the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Spurs tonight and claim the first playoff series victory in franchise history.

This town has been bracing for a winning professional sports franchise, well forever. I know because I grew up here. I was in the building for the only previous pro basketball victory in the city’s history.

That came on April 11, 1975,at the old Mid-South Coliseum, which I’m told is still standing. It was there I saw all of the old former Indiana Pacers who ended up in Memphis — Mel Daniels, Freddie Lewis and Roger Brown — lead the Memphis Sounds to a 107-93 victory over the Kentucky Colonels.

That game was a long time ago.

Beale Street was hopping coming into the FedExForum at 5:30 p.m. when I came into the arena.

The fans lucky enough to have tickets appear to be ready to celebrate a historic night in Memphis sports.